ACA Special Enrollment Periods and Exemption Options

Although open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace ended on February 15th, members of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholders can enroll in Marketplace coverage any time of year. The health care law requires all people to have minimum essential coverage or pay a fee. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and people eligible for services through IHS, tribal programs, or urban Indian health programs can get an exemption to the fee by applying through the Marketplace or when filing their federal income tax return.

President's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Proposal

The President's Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposes $20.9 billion, a $1.5 billion (8%) increase over the 2015 enacted level, across a wide range of federal programs that serve Tribes including education, social services, justice, health, infrastructure, and stewardship of land, water, and other natural resources.

All 13 IHS Obstetric Hospitals are Designated as Baby-Friendly!

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is pleased to announce that all 13 of its obstetric facilities have achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly® Hospital designation. Baby-Friendly® hospitals offer new mothers the information, confidence, and skills they need to initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding initiation rates at most of these IHS facilities are consistently in the 90th percentile, and exclusive breastfeeding rates have continued to climb. Breastfed children have reduced rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, allergies, and asthma.

ACA Special Enrollment Periods and Exemption Options

Although open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace ended on February 15th, members of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholders can enroll in Marketplace coverage any time of year. The health care law requires all people to have minimum essential coverage or pay a fee. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and people eligible for services through IHS, tribal programs, or urban Indian health programs can get an exemption to the fee by applying through the Marketplace or when filing their federal income tax return.

President's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Proposal

The President's Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposes $20.9 billion, a $1.5 billion (8%) increase over the 2015 enacted level, across a wide range of federal programs that serve Tribes including education, social services, justice, health, infrastructure, and stewardship of land, water, and other natural resources.

All 13 IHS Obstetric Hospitals are Designated as Baby-Friendly!

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is pleased to announce that all 13 of its obstetric facilities have achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly® Hospital designation. Baby-Friendly® hospitals offer new mothers the information, confidence, and skills they need to initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding initiation rates at most of these IHS facilities are consistently in the 90th percentile, and exclusive breastfeeding rates have continued to climb. Breastfed children have reduced rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, allergies, and asthma.